Display device and rear-view mirror module including the same

ABSTRACT

A display device may comprise a transmittance control structure having a variable transmittance and a mirror type display panel disposed on a rear surface of the transmittance control structure. The mirror type display panel may comprise a substrate, a display member disposed on the substrate, the display member including a light emission region, a first transmission region, and a peripheral region surrounding the light emission region and the first transmission region, and a reflective member facing the substrate with respect to the display member, the reflective member including an opening region corresponding to the light emission region, a second transmission region corresponding to the first transmission region, and a reflective region surrounding the opening region and the second transmission region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/415,150 filed on Jan. 25, 2017, which claimspriority under 35 USC § 119 to Korean Patent Application No.10-2016-0073915, filed on Jun. 14, 2016 in the Korean IntellectualProperty Office (KIPO), the entire disclosures of which are incorporatedby reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Example embodiments relate to rear-view mirror modules. Moreparticularly, example embodiments relate to display devices andrear-view mirror modules including the display devices to displayimages.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, a mirror (e.g., a side mirror, a rear-view mirror, etc.) maybe installed in a vehicle so that a driver may confirm the situations ofa left, a right or a rear of the vehicle.

Excessive light may disrupt safe driving when driving at night. Whenlight emitted from a headlight of a rear vehicle is reflected by arear-view mirror of a front vehicle, the sight of a driver of the frontvehicle may be disrupted. Recently, an electrochromic mirror (ECM)technology is utilized to prevent glare when driving at night.Additionally, a display device may be installed on a rear surface of therear-view mirror so that various information for driving may be providedto the driver.

An illumination sensor may be required to use the electrochromic mirror,and a hole that transmits external light may be required for therear-view mirror so that the illumination sensor may sense the externallight. However, because an extra space may be required to form the hole,an area of the rear-view mirror may be increased, or an area of thedisplay device disposed on the rear surface of the rear-view mirror maybe decreased.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments provide display devices for displaying images andreflecting external light, and having a controllable external lightreflectance.

Example embodiments provide rear-view mirror modules including a displaydevice and an illumination sensor, and having a controllable externallight reflectance.

According to an aspect of example embodiments, a display device maycomprise a transmittance control structure having a variabletransmittance, and a mirror type display panel disposed on a bottomsurface of the transmittance control structure. The mirror type displaypanel may comprise a substrate, a display member disposed on thesubstrate, the display member including a light emission region, a firsttransmission region, and a peripheral region surrounding the lightemission region and the first transmission region, and a reflectivemember facing the substrate with respect to the display member, thereflective member including an opening region corresponding to the lightemission region, a second transmission region corresponding to the firsttransmission region, and a reflective region surrounding the openingregion and the second transmission region.

In example embodiments, the display member may comprise a switchingstructure disposed on the substrate in the light emission region, aninsulation structure disposed on the substrate, the insulation structurecovering the switching structure, and an organic light emittingstructure disposed on the insulation structure.

In example embodiments, the organic light emitting structure maycomprise a first electrode disposed on the insulation structure in thelight emission region, a second electrode facing the first electrode,and an organic light emitting layer disposed between the first electrodeand the second electrode. The display member may further comprise apixel defining layer disposed on the insulation structure, the pixeldefining layer partially covering the first electrode and defining thelight emission region.

In example embodiments, the second electrode may be selectively disposedin the light emission region and the peripheral region. A transmissionwindow may be defined by a sidewall of the second electrode and a topsurface of the pixel defining layer.

In example embodiments, the second electrode and the pixel defininglayer may be selectively disposed in the light emission region and theperipheral region. A transmission window may be defined by a sidewall ofthe second electrode, a sidewall of the pixel defining layer, and a topsurface of the insulation structure.

In example embodiments, the second electrode, the pixel defining layer,and the insulation structure may be selectively disposed in the lightemission region and the peripheral region. A transmission window may bedefined by a sidewall of the second electrode, a sidewall of the pixeldefining layer, a sidewall of the insulation structure, and a topsurface of the substrate.

In example embodiments, the switching structure may comprise an activepattern, a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrodelayered on the substrate. The insulation structure may comprise a gateinsulation layer disposed on the substrate, the gate insulation layercovering the active pattern, an insulation interlayer disposed on thegate insulation layer, the insulation interlayer covering the gateelectrode, and a protective layer disposed on the insulation interlayer,the protective layer covering the source electrode and the drainelectrode. The source electrode and the drain electrode may contact theactive pattern through the insulation interlayer and the gate insulationlayer. The first electrode may be disposed on the protective layer, andmay contact the drain electrode through the protective layer.

In example embodiments, the second electrode, the pixel defining layer,and the protective layer may be selectively disposed in the lightemission region and the peripheral region. A transmission window may bedefined by a sidewall of the second electrode, a sidewall of the pixeldefining layer, a sidewall of the protective layer, and a top surface ofthe insulation interlayer.

In example embodiments, the reflective member may include at least oneselected from silver (Ag), aluminum (Ag), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr),tungsten (W), vanadium (V), and molybdenum (Mo).

In example embodiments, the mirror type display panel may furthercomprise an encapsulation member facing the substrate with respect tothe display member. The reflective member may be disposed on one surfaceor an inside of the encapsulation member.

According to an aspect of example embodiments, a rear-view mirror modulemay comprise a transmittance control structure having a variabletransmittance and including an opening portion, a mirror type displaypanel disposed on a bottom surface of the transmittance controlstructure, and an illumination sensor disposed on a bottom surface ofthe mirror type display panel. The mirror type display panel maycomprise a substrate, a display member disposed on the substrate, thedisplay member including a light emission region, a first transmissionregion, and a peripheral region surrounding the light emission regionand the first transmission region, and a reflective member facing thesubstrate with respect to the display member, the reflective memberincluding an opening region corresponding to the light emission region,a second transmission region corresponding to the first transmissionregion, and a reflective region surrounding the opening region and thesecond transmission region. The opening portion, the first transmissionregion, and the second transmission region may correspond to theillumination sensor.

In example embodiments, the transmittance control structure may includean electrochromic material.

In example embodiments, the transmittance control structure may comprisea first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate whichface each other, a first transparent electrode and a second transparentelectrode disposed on facing surfaces of the first transparent substrateand the second transparent substrate, respectively, and anelectrochromic layer interposed between the first transparent electrodeand the second transparent electrode.

In example embodiments, the transmittance control structure may have ahigher light transmittance when an electrical signal is not applied anda lower light transmittance when the electrical signal is applied.

In example embodiments, the mirror type display panel may substantiallyoverlap the transmittance control structure.

In example embodiments, an external light incident onto a front surfaceof the transmittance control structure may be transferred to theillumination sensor through the opening portion, the second transmissionregion, and the first transmission region.

In example embodiments, the rear-view mirror module may further comprisea luminance controller controlling a luminance of the mirror typedisplay panel, and a transmittance controller controlling atransmittance of the transmittance control structure.

In example embodiments, the luminance controller and the transmittancecontroller may control the luminance of the mirror type display paneland the transmittance of the transmittance control structure,respectively, based on an intensity of the external light incident intothe illumination sensor.

In example embodiments, the luminance controller may decrease theluminance of the mirror type display panel and the transmittancecontroller may increase the transmittance of the transmittance controlstructure when the intensity of the external light is less than apredetermined intensity.

In example embodiments, the luminance controller may increase theluminance of the mirror type display panel and the transmittancecontroller may decrease the transmittance of the transmittance controlstructure when the intensity of the external light is greater than apredetermined intensity.

According to example embodiments of the present invention, the displaydevice may include the mirror type display panel including the lightemission region for emitting light, the reflective region for reflectingthe external light, and the transmission region for transmitting theexternal light, and the transmittance control structure having avariable transmittance, thereby reflecting the external light as well asdisplaying images, and controlling the reflectance of the externallight.

According to example embodiments of the present invention, the rear-viewmirror module may include the display device and the illuminationsensor, and the light transmission region corresponding to theillumination sensor may be formed in the display device, so that theexternal light may be transferred to the illumination sensor through thelight transmission region. Therefore, the light transmittance of thetransmittance control structure may be controlled, the reflectance ofthe external light may be controlled, and the area of the display devicemay be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative, non-limiting example embodiments will be more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views illustrating mirror typedisplay panels in accordance with example embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the mirror type displaypanel in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mirror type displaypanel in accordance with example embodiments.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views illustrating a mirror typedisplay panel in accordance with some example embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mirror type displaypanel in accordance with some example embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a rear-view mirror module inaccordance with example embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rear-view mirrormodule in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the rear-view mirrormodule in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a transmittance controlstructure in accordance with example embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a rear-view mirror module inaccordance with example embodiments.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views illustrating a rear-viewmirror module controlling a luminance of a mirror type display panel anda transmittance of a transmittance control structure based on anintensity of external light, according to example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, display devices and rear-view mirror modules including thedisplay devices in accordance with example embodiments will be explainedin detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views illustrating mirror typedisplay panels in accordance with example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a display device in accordance with exampleembodiments may include a transmittance control structure 20 in FIG. 10having a variable transmittance and a mirror type display panel 10disposed on a rear surface of the transmittance control structure 20.The mirror type display panel 10 may include a substrate 110, a displaymember 120 disposed on the substrate 110, an encapsulation member 130facing the substrate 110 with respect to the display member 120, and areflective member 140 provided on the encapsulation member 130.

The substrate 110 and the encapsulation member 130 may encapsulate thedisplay member 120 to protect the display member 120 from externaloxygen or moisture. The substrate 110 and the encapsulation member 130may be attached to each other by the sealant 160. A moisture absorbentmaterial and/or a filler may be disposed in a space between thesubstrate 110 and the encapsulation member 130 formed by the sealant160. For example, the substrate 110 may be a transparent glass orplastic substrate, and the encapsulation member 130 may includetransparent glass or plastic similar to the substrate 110.

The encapsulation member 130 of FIG. 1A may be a transparent glasssubstrate or a plastic substrate; however, the present invention is notlimited thereto. The encapsulation member 130 may have a structure inwhich at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer arealternatively layered, such as illustrated in FIG. 1B. In this case, theencapsulation member 130 may be disposed on the display member 120, andthe substrate 110 and the encapsulation member 130 may be directlyattached.

In example embodiments, the reflective member 140 may be disposed on oneof both surfaces of the encapsulation member 130. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 1A, the reflective member 140 may be disposed on afirst surface of the encapsulation member 130 that faces the substrate110. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Thereflective member 140 may be disposed on a second surface opposite tothe first surface of the encapsulation member 130. In some exampleembodiments, when the encapsulation member 130 has a structure in whichat least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer arealternatively layered as illustrated in FIG. 1B, the reflective member140 may be disposed inside the encapsulation member 130. For example,the reflective member 140 may be disposed on a first encapsulationmember in which at least one inorganic layer and at least one organiclayer are alternatively layered, and a second encapsulation member inwhich at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer arealternatively layered may be disposed on the reflective member 140. Inother words, the reflective member 140 may be interposed between thefirst encapsulation member and the second encapsulation member.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the mirror type displaypanel in FIG. 1A.

Referring to FIG. 2, the display member 120 may include a light emissionregion 121, a first transmission region 122, and a peripheral region 123surrounding the light emission region 121 and the first transmissionregion 122. The light emission region 121 may include a plurality ofpixels PX1, PX2 and PX3 each emitting light of a particular color (e.g.,red, green or blue). An image may be displayed in the light emissionregion 121, and the light emission region 121 may have various shapes.The first transmission region 122 may transmit external light incidentonto a front surface of the mirror type display panel 10.

The reflective member 140 may include a first opening region 141corresponding to the light emission region 121, a second transmissionregion 142 corresponding to the first transmission region 122, and areflective region 143 surrounding the first opening region 141 and thesecond transmission region 142. The first opening region 141 maycorrespond to the light emission region 121 so that light emitted fromthe light emission region 121 may be emitted to the front surface of themirror type display panel 10 through the first opening region 141. Thereflective region 143 may reflect the external light incident onto thefront surface of the mirror type display panel 10 so that the mirrortype display panel 10 may perform a mirror function. The secondtransmission region 142 may transmit therethrough the external lightincident onto the front surface of the mirror type display panel 10.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mirror type displaypanel in accordance with example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3, the display member 120 may include a switchingstructure 1210 disposed on the substrate 110 in the light emissionregion 121, an insulation structure 1220 disposed on the substrate 110to cover the switching structure 1210, and an organic light emittingstructure 1230 disposed on the insulation structure 1220.

The switching structure 1210 may transmit a driving current for drivingthe organic light emitting structure 1230 in response to an electricalsignal. The organic light emitting structure 1230 may emit light inresponse to the driving current transferred from the switching structure1210.

The switching structure 1210 may include an active pattern 1211, a gateelectrode 1212, a source electrode 1213 and a drain electrode 1214,which are layered on the substrate 110. The insulation structure 1220may include a buffer layer 1221, a gate insulation layer 1222, aninsulation interlayer 1223 and a protective layer 1224, which arelayered on the substrate 110.

The buffer layer 1221 may be disposed on the substrate 110. The bufferlayer 1221 may block moisture permeating through the substrate 110, andmay block a diffusion of impurities between the substrate 110 andstructures thereon. For example, the buffer layer 1221 may includesilicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. In exampleembodiments, the buffer layer 1221 may be commonly provided in the lightemission region 121, the first transmission region 122 and theperipheral region 123. In some example embodiments, the buffer layer1221 may be selectively provided in the light emission region 121 andthe peripheral region 123.

The active pattern 1211 may be disposed on the buffer layer 1221 in thelight emission region 121. A source region and a drain region, whichinclude p-type or n-type impurities, may be disposed on opposite sidesof the active pattern 1211. In example embodiments, the active pattern1211 may include a silicon compound such as a polysilicon. In someexample embodiments, the active pattern 1211 may include an oxidesemiconductor such as indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc-tin oxide(ZTO), or indium-tin-zinc oxide (ITZO).

The gate insulation layer 1222 may be disposed on the buffer layer 1221to cover the active pattern 1211. The gate insulation layer 1222 mayinclude silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. Inexample embodiments, the gate insulation layer 1222 may be commonlyprovided in the light emission region 121, the first transmission region122 and the peripheral region 123. In some example embodiments, the gateinsulation layer 1222 may be selectively provided in the light emissionregion 121 and the peripheral region 123.

The gate electrode 1212 may be disposed on the gate insulation layer1222. The gate electrode 1212 may substantially overlap a portion of theactive pattern 1211 with respect to the gate insulation layer 1222. Thegate electrode 1212 may include metal such as silver (Ag), magnesium(Mg), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium(Cr), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), platinum (Pt), tantalum (Ta),neodymium (Nd), scandium (Sc), an alloy thereof, a nitride thereof, etc.

The insulation interlayer 1223 may be disposed on the gate insulationlayer 1222 to cover the gate electrode 1212. The insulation interlayer1223 may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or siliconoxynitride. In example embodiments, the insulation interlayer 1223 maybe commonly provided in the light emission region 121, the firsttransmission region 122 and the peripheral region 123. In some exampleembodiments, the insulation interlayer 1223 may be selectively providedin the light emission region 121 and the peripheral region 123.

The source electrode 1213 and the drain electrode 1214 may be disposedon the insulation interlayer 1223. Each of the source electrode 1213 andthe drain electrode 1214 may pass through the insulation interlayer 1223and the gate insulation layer 1222 to contact the active pattern 1211.Each of the source electrode 1213 and the drain electrode 1214 mayinclude metal such as silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al),tungsten (W), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo),titanium (Ti), platinum (Pt), tantalum (Ta), neodymium (Nd), scandium(Sc), an alloy thereof, a nitride thereof, etc.

The source electrode 1213 and the drain electrode 1214 may be in contactwith the source region and the drain region of the active pattern 1211,respectively. A portion of the active pattern 1211 between the sourceregion and the drain region may serve as a channel through which chargesare transferred.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top gate structure in which the gate electrode 1212is disposed over the active pattern 1211; however, the switchingstructure 1210 may have a bottom gate structure in which the gateelectrode 1212 is disposed under the active pattern 1211.

The protective layer 1224 may be disposed on the insulation interlayer1223 to cover the source electrode 1213 and the drain electrode 1214.The protective layer 1224 may accommodate a via structure electricallyconnecting a first electrode 1231 and the drain electrode 1214.Additionally, the protective layer 1224 may serve as a planarizationlayer for structures thereon. The protective layer 1224 may includeorganic material such as polyimide, epoxy-based resin, acryl basedresin, polyester, etc. In example embodiments, the protective layer 1224may be commonly provided in the light emission region 121, the firsttransmission region 122 and the peripheral region 123. In some exampleembodiments, the protective layer 1224 may be selectively provided inthe light emission region 121 and the peripheral region 123.

The organic light emitting structure 1230 may include the firstelectrode 1231 disposed on the protective layer 1224 in the lightemission region 121, a second electrode 1232 facing the first electrode1231, and an organic light emitting layer 1233 disposed between thefirst electrode 1231 and the second electrode 1232.

The first electrode 1231 may be disposed on the protective layer 1224,and may include the via structure electrically connected or contacted tothe drain electrode 1214 through the protective layer 1224. The firstelectrode 1231 may be disposed as an individual island shape per onepixel. The first electrode 1231 may be provided as a pixel electrode oran anode of the organic light emitting structure 1230.

In example embodiments, the first electrode 1231 may be a reflectiveelectrode including a reflective layer. For example, the reflectivelayer include metal such as silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al),tungsten (W), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo),titanium (Ti), platinum (Pt), tantalum (Ta), neodymium (Nd), scandium(Sc), etc. In some example embodiments, a transparent layer or atransflective layer including indium-tin oxide (ITO), indium-zinc oxide(IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium-gallium oxide (IGO), etc. may be furtherdisposed on the reflective layer.

A pixel defining layer 1240 may be disposed on the protective layer 1224to partially cover the first electrode 1231. The pixel defining layer1240 may cover a peripheral portion of the first electrode 1231 and mayexpose a center portion of the first electrode 1231, thereby definingthe light emitting region 121 of the display member 120. The pixeldefining layer 1240 may include organic material such as polyimide,epoxy-based resin, acryl based resin, polyester, etc. In exampleembodiments, the pixel defining layer 1240 may be commonly provided inthe light emission region 121, the first transmission region 122 and theperipheral region 123. In some example embodiments, the pixel defininglayer 1240 may be selectively provided in the light emission region 121and the peripheral region 123.

The second electrode 1232 may be disposed over the first electrode 1231to face the first electrode 1231. The second electrode 1232 may becommonly provided to the plurality of pixels. The second electrode 1232may serve as a common electrode or a cathode of the organic lightemitting structure 1230.

In example embodiments, the second electrode 1232 may be a transparentelectrode including a transparent layer. For example, the secondelectrode 1232 may include metal such as silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg),aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr),molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), platinum (Pt), tantalum (Ta), neodymium(Nd), scandium (Sc), etc. or indium-tin oxide (ITO), indium-zinc oxide(IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium-gallium oxide (IGO), etc. Here, thesecond electrode 1232 may be formed thinner than the first electrode1231 to increase light transmittance of the second electrode 1232.

The organic light emitting layer 1233 may be disposed between the firstelectrode 1231 and the second electrode 1232. The organic light emittinglayer 1233 may include a host material excited by holes and electrons,and a dopant material increasing an emission efficiency by absorptionand emission of energy. In example embodiments, the organic lightemitting layer 1233 may be patterned per one pixel.

In example embodiments, a hole transport layer (HTL) may be furtherdisposed between the first electrode 1231 and the organic light emittinglayer 1233, and an electron transport layer (ETL) may be furtherdisposed between the organic light emitting layer 1233 and the secondelectrode 1232. The HTL and the ETL may be commonly provided for theplurality of pixels.

The reflective member 140 may include a reflective layer 1410. Thereflective layer 1410 may be disposed on the encapsulation member 130.The reflective layer 1410 may reflect external light incident onto thefront surface of the encapsulation member 130. In example embodiments,the reflective layer 1410 may be disposed on a surface facing thesubstrate 110 of both surfaces of the encapsulation member 130. Thereflective layer 1410 may include silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), nickel(Ni), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), vanadium (V) and/or molybdenum (Mo).

The reflective layer 1410 may be substantially selectively disposed inthe reflective region 143. Therefore, light emitted from the organiclight emitting layer 1233 of the organic light emitting structure 1230may pass through the first opening region 141, and the external lightincident onto the front surface of the encapsulation member 130 may passthrough the second transmission region 142.

FIGS. 4 to 7 are cross-sectional views illustrating a mirror typedisplay panel in accordance with some example embodiments.

The mirror type display panel 10 illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 may haveelements and/or constructions substantially the same as or similar tothe mirror type display panel 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 except forconstructions of the second electrode 1232, the pixel defining layer1240, or the insulation interlayer 1220 in the first transmission region122. Therefore, detailed descriptions on the repeated elements and/orconstructions are omitted, and like reference numerals are used todesignate like elements.

Referring to FIG. 4, the second electrode 1232 may be substantiallyselectively disposed in the light emission region 121 and the peripheralregion 123, and a top surface of the pixel defining layer 1240 may beexposed in the first transmission region 122. A transmission window 1251may be defined by a sidewall of the second electrode 1232 and the topsurface of the pixel defining layer 1240 in the first transmissionregion 122. Therefore, light transmittance in the first transmissionregion 122 may be improved.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second electrode 1232 and the pixel defininglayer 1240 may be substantially selectively disposed in the lightemission region 121 and the peripheral region 123, and a top surface ofthe protective layer 1224 may be exposed in the first transmissionregion 122. A transmission window 1252 may be defined by a sidewall ofthe second electrode 1232, a sidewall of the pixel defining layer 1240,and the top surface of the protective layer 1224 in the firsttransmission region 122. Therefore, light transmittance in the firsttransmission region 122 may be further improved.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second electrode 1232, the pixeldefining layer 1240, and at least a portion of the insulation structure1220 may be substantially selectively disposed in the light emissionregion 121 and the peripheral region 123.

In example embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the second electrode1232, the pixel defining layer 1240, and the protective layer 1224 maybe substantially selectively disposed in the light emission region 121and the peripheral region 123, and a top surface of the insulationinterlayer 1223 may be exposed in the first transmission region 122.Here, a transmission window 1253 may be defined by a sidewall of thesecond electrode 1232, a sidewall of the pixel defining layer 1240, asidewall of the protective layer 1224, and the top surface of theinsulation interlayer 1223 in the first transmission region 122.

In some example embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the secondelectrode 1232, the pixel defining layer 1240, the protective layer1224, the insulation interlayer 1223, the gate insulation layer 1222,and the buffer layer 1221 may be substantially selectively disposed inthe light emission region 121 and the peripheral region 123, and a topsurface of the substrate 110 may be exposed in the first transmissionregion 122. Here, a transmission window 1254 may be defined by asidewall of the second electrode 1232, a sidewall of the pixel defininglayer 1240, a sidewall of the protective layer 1224, a sidewall of theinsulation interlayer 1223, a sidewall of the gate insulation layer1222, a sidewall of the buffer layer 1221, and the top surface of thesubstrate 110 in the first transmission region 122. Therefore, lighttransmittance in the first transmission region 122 may be even furtherimproved.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mirror type displaypanel in accordance with some example embodiments.

The mirror type display panel 10 illustrated in FIG. 8 may have elementsand/or constructions substantially the same as or similar to the mirrortype display panel 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 except for constructions ofthe reflective member 140 and an addition of a light absorption member150. Therefore, detailed descriptions on the repeated elements and/orconstructions are omitted, and like reference numerals are used todesignate like elements.

Referring to FIG. 8, the mirror type display panel 10 may include areflective member 140 and a light absorption member 150 which aredisposed on the encapsulation member 130. The reflective member 140 mayinclude a first opening region 141 corresponding to the light emissionregion 121, a second transmission region 142 corresponding to the firsttransmission region 122, and a reflective region 143 surrounding thefirst opening region 141 and the second transmission region 142. Thelight absorption member 150 may include a second opening region 151corresponding to the light emission region 121, a third transmissionregion 152 corresponding to the first transmission region 122, and alight absorption region 153 surrounding the second opening region 151and the third transmission region 152.

The reflective member 140 may include a reflective layer 1410. Thereflective layer 1410 may be disposed on the encapsulation member 130.The reflective layer 1410 may reflect external light incident onto thefront surface of the encapsulation member 130. In example embodiments,the reflective layer 1410 may be disposed on one surface opposite to theother surface facing the substrate 110 of the encapsulation member 130.The reflective layer 1410 may include silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), nickel(Ni), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), vanadium (V) and/or molybdenum (Mo).

The reflective layer 1410 may be substantially selectively disposed inthe reflective region 143. Therefore, light emitted from the organiclight emitting layer 1233 of the organic light emitting structure 1230may pass through the first opening region 141, and the external lightincident onto the front surface of the encapsulation member 130 may passthrough the second transmission region 142.

The light absorption member 150 may include a light absorption layer1510. The light absorption layer 1510 may be disposed on theencapsulation member 130 in the light absorption region 153. When theexternal light that is incident onto the front surface of theencapsulation member 130 passes through the second opening region 151and the third transmission region 152, it may be diffusely reflected byelectrodes and wirings included in the display member 120, therebydegrading mirror quality of the mirror type display panel 10. To preventthe degradation of mirror quality of the mirror type display panel 10,the light absorption layer 1510 may be disposed on the encapsulationmember 130 to absorb the diffusely reflected external light. In exampleembodiments, the light absorption layer 1510 may be disposed on asurface of the encapsulation member 130 that is facing the substrate110.

The light absorption layer 1510 may be substantially selectivelydisposed in the light absorption region 153. Therefore, light emittedfrom the organic light emitting layer 1233 of the organic light emittingstructure 1230 may pass through the second opening region 151, and theexternal light incident onto the front surface of the encapsulationmember 130 may pass through the third transmission region 152.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a rear-view mirror module inaccordance with example embodiments. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional viewillustrating the rear-view mirror module in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a rear-view mirror module 1 may include atransmittance control structure 20 having a variable transmittance, amirror type display panel 10 disposed on a rear surface of thetransmittance control structure 20, an illumination sensor 30 disposedon a rear surface of the mirror type display panel 10, and a rear-viewmirror housing 50 inside which the transmittance control structure 20,the mirror type display panel 10, and the illumination sensor 30 areinstalled. The rear-view mirror module 1 may be installed inside avehicle and may provide information about a rear of the vehicle to adriver.

The mirror type display panel 10 may include a reflective member 140that serves as a mirror by reflecting external light incident onto afront surface of the rear-view mirror module 1 and a display member 120that provides information to the driver by displaying an image to thefront surface of the rear-view mirror module 1. In a conventionalrear-view mirror module, a display panel may be disposed on a frontsurface or a rear surface of a mirror, and as such, a thickness of therear-view mirror module may be relatively thick. However, because therear-view mirror module 1 in accordance with example embodiments of thepresent invention may include the mirror type display panel 10 that iscombined by the mirror and the display panel, a thickness of therear-view mirror module 1 may be relatively thin. Elements and/orconstructions of the mirror type display panel 10 included in therear-view mirror module 1 according to example embodiments, aresubstantially the same as or similar to that of the mirror type displaypanel 10 explained with reference to FIGS. 1A to 8, therefore, detaileddescriptions on the repeated elements and/or constructions are omitted.

The transmittance control structure 20 may be disposed on the frontsurface of the mirror type display panel 10. Light transmittance of thetransmittance control structure 20 may be controlled depending on anintensity of external light incident onto the front surface of thetransmittance control structure 20, so that glare when driving at nightmay be reduced. In example embodiments, the transmittance controlstructure 20 may include electrochromic material. The transmittancecontrol structure 20 may utilize an oxidation-reduction reaction of theelectrochromic material to control the light transmittance. Detailedconstructions of the transmittance control structure 20 may be explainedwith reference to FIG. 12.

The illumination sensor 30 may be disposed on the rear surface of themirror type display panel 10. The illumination sensor 30 may sense anintensity of external light L1 incident onto the front surface of therear-view mirror module 1. The rear-view mirror module 1 may control thelight transmittance of the transmittance control structure 20 and aluminance of the mirror type display panel 10 based on the sensedintensity of the external light L1. However, the external light L1 wouldhave to pass through the mirror type display panel 10 that is disposedin front of the illumination sensor 30, in order for the external lightL1 incident onto the front surface of the rear-view mirror module 1 totransfer to the illumination sensor 30 that is disposed behind themirror type display panel 10.

A light transmitting part 40 through which the external light L1 ispassed may be formed in the rear-view mirror module 1. The lighttransmitting part 40 may be formed to correspond to the illuminationsensor 30. For example, the light transmitting part 40 may substantiallyoverlap the illumination sensor 30. Therefore, the illumination sensor30 may sense the intensity of the external light L1 passing through thelight transmitting part 40. The light transmitting part 40 may includethe first transmittance region 122 of the display member 120 and thesecond transmittance region 142 of the reflective member 140. The firsttransmittance region 122 and the second transmittance region 142 may beformed to correspond to the illumination sensor 30.

In example embodiments, the transmittance control structure 20 mayinclude an opening portion 202 corresponding to the illumination sensor30. In this case, the light transmitting part 40 may include the firsttransmittance region 122 of the display member 120, the secondtransmittance region 142 of the reflective member 140, and the openingportion 202 of the transmittance control structure 20. When the openingportion 202 is formed in the transmittance control structure 20, theexternal light L1 may pass through the transmittance control structure20 regardless of light transmittance of the transmittance controlstructure 20, so that light sensing capacity of the illumination sensor30 may be improved.

In example embodiments, the mirror type display panel 10 may be disposedto substantially overlap the transmittance control structure 20. Forexample, the mirror type display panel 10 may be disposed on the rearsurface of the transmittance control structure 20 to substantiallyoverlap the transmittance control structure 20. In other words, an areaof the transmittance control structure 20 and an area of the mirror typedisplay panel 10 may be substantially the same. In a conventionalrear-view mirror module, a display panel may be disposed to overlap aportion of a transmittance control structure so that external light maybe transferred to an illumination sensor that is disposed on a rearsurface of the transmittance control structure. Therefore, an area ofthe display panel may be substantially less than an area of thetransmittance control structure. However, because the rear view mirrormodule 1 according to example embodiments of the present invention mayinclude the light transmitting part 40 transmitting the external lightL1, the mirror type display panel 10 may be disposed to overlap anentirety of the transmittance control structure 20, and therefore, thearea of the mirror type display panel 10 may be increased.

In example embodiments, the light transmitting part 40 may be positionedanywhere in the rear-view mirror module 1. In other words, a position ofthe light transmitting part 40 in the rear-view mirror module 1 is notlimited. FIG. 9 illustrates that the light transmitting part 40 ispositioned on an upper part of the rear-view mirror module 1; however,the position of the light transmitting part 40 is not limited thereto.For example, the light transmitting part 40 may be positioned on a lowerpart, a left side, a right side, a central part, etc. In a conventionalrear-view mirror module, a position of a light transmitting part may belimited so as to not overlap a display panel. However, in the rear viewmirror module 1 according to example embodiments of the presentinvention, the light transmitting part 40 is positioned inside themirror type display panel 10 so that the position of the lighttransmitting part 40 may be not limited, and the light transmitting part40 may be freely positioned according to a displacement of the rear-viewmirror module 1.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a portion of the rear-view mirrormodule in FIG. 9. For example, FIG. 11 may be a plan view illustratingan area XI of the rear-view mirror module in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 11, the display member 120 may include a plurality oflight emission regions 121, a first transmission region 122 spaced apartfrom the plurality of light emission regions 121, and a peripheralregion 123 surrounding the plurality of light emission regions 121 andthe first transmission region 122. The organic light emitting structure1230 in FIG. 3 emitting light may be positioned in each of the pluralityof light emission region 121. The switching structure 1210 in FIG. 3transferring a driving current to the organic light emitting structure1230 and wirings 124 transferring an electrical signal to the switchingstructure 1210 may be positioned in each of the plurality of lightemission region 121 and/or the peripheral region 123. For example, thewirings 124 may be extended along a first direction and/or a seconddirection substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Theorganic light emitting structure 1230 and the switching structure 1210may be not positioned in the first transmission region 122. Therefore,external light incident onto a front surface of the display member 120may pass through the first transmission region 122. The firsttransmission region 122 may be positioned to correspond to theillumination sensor 30.

The reflective member 140 may include a plurality of opening regions 141corresponding to the light emission regions 121, a second transmissionregion 142 corresponding to the first transmission region 122, and areflective region 143 surrounding the plurality of opening regions 141and the second transmission region 142. A reflective layer 1410reflecting the external light may be positioned in the reflective region143. The reflective layer 1410 may be not positioned in the secondtransmission region 142. Therefore, the external light incident onto afront surface of the reflective member 140 may pass through the secondtransmission region 142. The second transmission region 142 may bepositioned to correspond to the illumination sensor 30. The firsttransmission region 122 and the second transmission region 142 may bepositioned to correspond to the illumination sensor 30 disposed on arear surface of the mirror type display panel 10, so that the externallight incident onto the front surface of the rear-view mirror module 1may be transferred to the illumination sensor 30 through the firsttransmission region 122 and the second transmission region 142.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a transmittance controlstructure in accordance with example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 12, the transmittance control structure 20 may includea first transparent substrate 210 and a second transparent substrate220, which face each other with a predetermined distance in between, afirst transparent electrode 230 and a second transparent electrode 240disposed on facing surfaces of the first transparent substrate 210 andthe second transparent substrate 220, respectively, and anelectrochromic layer 250 interposed between the first transparentelectrode 230 and the second transparent electrode 240. In exampleembodiments, the transmittance control structure 20 may includeelectrochromic material of which light characteristic may be reversiblychanged according to an electrochemical oxidation reduction reaction.Therefore, the transmittance control structure 20 may become colorlesswhen an electrical signal is not applied, and may become colored whenthe electrical signal is applied, so that light transmittance of thetransmittance control structure 20 may be controlled.

The first transparent substrate 210 and the second transparent substrate220 may include transparent material such as glass, silicon, syntheticresin, aerogel, etc. The first transparent electrode 230 and the secondtransparent electrode 240 may be disposed on the first transparentsubstrate 210 and the second transparent substrate 220, respectively,and may include transparent conductive material such as indium-tin oxide(ITO), indium-zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium-gallium oxide(IGO), etc.

The electrochromic layer 250 may include liquid or solid electrochromicmaterial and electrolyte. The electrochromic layer 250 may be interposedbetween the first transparent electrode 230 and the second electrode240, and may be colored or decolorized through an oxidation reaction ora reduction reaction by an electric field applied between the firsttransparent electrode 230 and the second transparent electrode 240. Theelectrochromic layer 250 may be formed using a vacuum bonding method,which may include injecting the electrochromic material and theelectrolyte into a gap between the first transparent electrode 230 andthe second transparent electrode 240. The electrochromic material may beorganic electrochromic material or inorganic electrochromic material.For example, the organic electrochromic material may include viologen,anthraquinone, polyaniline or polythiophene, and the inorganicelectrochromic material may include WO₃, MoO₃, CeO₃, MnO₂ or Nb₂O₅.

Light transmittance of the transmittance control structure 20 may becontrolled by utilizing the oxidation reduction reaction of theelectrochromic material and in accordance with the intensity of theexternal light, so that glare may be reduced while driving at night.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a rear-view mirror module inaccordance with example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 13, the rear-view mirror module 1 may include anillumination sensor 30 that senses an intensity of external light, amirror type display panel 10 of which luminance may be controlleddepending on the intensity of the external light, a transmittancecontrol structure 20 of which light transmittance may be controlleddepending on the intensity of the external light, a luminance controller60 controlling the luminance of the mirror type display panel 10, and atransmittance controller 70 controlling the light transmittance of thetransmittance control structure 20.

In example embodiments, the luminance controller 60 may control theluminance of the mirror type display panel 10 based on the intensity ofthe external light incident into the illumination sensor 30.Additionally, the transmittance controller 70 may control the lighttransmittance of the transmittance control structure 20 based on theintensity of the external light incident into the illumination sensor30.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views illustrating a rear-viewmirror module controlling a luminance of a mirror type display panel anda transmittance of a transmittance control structure based on anintensity of external light, according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 14, the luminance controller 60 may decrease theluminance of the mirror type display panel 10 and the transmittancecontroller 70 may increase the light transmittance of the transmittancecontrol structure 20 when the intensity of the external light incidentonto the front surface of the rear-view mirror module 1 is less than apredetermined intensity. Here, the predetermined intensity may be thelowest intensity of light that causes glare from which a driver may feeldiscomfort when driving at night.

When the external light L1 passing through the light transmitting part40 is incident into the illumination sensor 30, the illumination sensor30 may sense the intensity of the external light L1. When the intensityof the external light L1 is less than the predetermined intensity, theluminance controller 60 may decrease luminance of light L2 emitted fromthe display member 120 of the mirror type display panel 10, and thetransmittance controller 70 may increase light transmittance of thetransmittance control structure 20 so that an intensity of light L3reflected from the reflective member 140 is not decreased. Therefore,the luminance of the light L2 emitted from the mirror type display panel10 may decrease, thereby decreasing power consumption, when theintensity of the external light is relatively low.

Referring to FIG. 15, the luminance controller 60 may increase theluminance of the mirror type display panel 10 and the transmittancecontroller 70 may decrease the light transmittance of the transmittancecontrol structure 20 when the intensity of the external light incidentonto the front surface of the rear-view mirror module 1 is greater thana predetermined intensity. Here, the predetermined intensity may be thelowest intensity of light that causes glare from which a driver may feeldiscomfort when driving at night.

When the external light L1 passing through the light transmitting part40 is incident into the illumination sensor 30, the illumination sensor30 may sense the intensity of the external light L1. When the intensityof the external light L1 is greater than the predetermined intensity,the luminance controller 60 may increase luminance of light L2 emittedfrom the display member 120 of the mirror type display panel 10, and thetransmittance controller 70 may decrease light transmittance of thetransmittance control structure 20 so that an intensity of light L3reflected from the reflective member 140 is decreased. Therefore, theintensity of the light L3 reflected from the mirror type display panel10 may decrease, thereby decreasing intensity of glare, and theluminance of the light L2 emitted from the mirror type display panel 10may increase, thereby increasing visibility of an image and compensatingthe decreased light transmittance the transmittance control structure20, when the intensity of the external light is relatively high.

The rear-view mirror modules according to example embodiments may beapplied to means of transportation such as vehicles, etc.

Although a few example embodiments have been described, those skilled inthe art would readily appreciate that many modifications are possible inthe example embodiments without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the present inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device, comprising: a display panelincluding a light emission region and a transmission region; and asensor disposed on a rear surface of the display panel, the sensorcorresponding to the transmission region, wherein the display panelcomprises: a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate inthe light emission region; a pixel defining layer partially covering thefirst electrode and defining the light emission region; a secondelectrode facing the first electrode, the second electrode not beingformed in the transmission region; and an organic light emitting layerdisposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.
 2. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein a transmission window is defined by asidewall of the second electrode and a top surface of the pixel defininglayer.
 3. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a switchingstructure disposed between the substrate and the first electrode in thelight emission region; and an insulation structure disposed on thesubstrate, the insulation structure covering the switching structure. 4.The display device of claim 3, wherein the pixel defining layer is notformed in the transmission region.
 5. The display device of claim 4,wherein a transmission window is defined by a sidewall of the secondelectrode, a sidewall of the pixel defining layer, and a top surface ofthe insulation structure.
 6. The display device of claim 4, wherein theinsulation structure is not formed in the transmission region.
 7. Thedisplay device of claim 6, wherein a transmission window is defined by asidewall of the second electrode, a sidewall of the pixel defininglayer, a sidewall of the insulation structure, and a top surface of thesubstrate.
 8. The display device of claim 4, wherein the switchingstructure comprises an active pattern, a gate electrode, a sourceelectrode, and a drain electrode layered on the substrate, wherein theinsulation structure comprises: a gate insulation layer disposed on thesubstrate, the gate insulation layer covering the active pattern; aninsulation interlayer disposed on the gate insulation layer, theinsulation interlayer covering the gate electrode; and a protectivelayer disposed on the insulation interlayer, the protective layercovering the source electrode and the drain electrode, wherein thesource electrode and the drain electrode contact the active patternthrough the insulation interlayer and the gate insulation layer, andwherein the first electrode is disposed on the protective layer, andcontacts the drain electrode through the protective layer.
 9. Thedisplay device of claim 8, wherein the protective layer is not formed inthe transmission region.
 10. The display device of claim 9, wherein atransmission window is defined by a sidewall of the second electrode, asidewall of the pixel defining layer, a sidewall of the protectivelayer, and a top surface of the insulation interlayer.